User reviews

The critics pan anything that has even a glimpse of Christianity. They can go to nonexistent hell. This movie inspires and is uplifting, unlike the PC crap the critics love so much.

This is coming from a fan of Kendrick brothers really enjoy their films ( was even rewatching them all before this one) if you enjoy their movies too you would like it and it's also a good inspirational and even sweet at times sports movie ( even tho they claim running isn't sport lol) and some good characters here even a little twist that made things a little more interesting only main problem is movie can get bit slow at first then picks up more later but this is definitely pretty good one;)

A basketball coach at a Georgia Christian school (Alex Kendrick) is devastated when the local factory shuts down and the school loses half its students, along with a decrease in pay for him and his wife, who also works at the school (Shari Rigby). The principal appoints him to coach the cross-country running team, which consists of ONE girl with asthma (Aryn Wright-Thompson) who lives with her grandmother.

"Overcomer" (2019) is a Christian-themed drama from the maker of "War Room" (2015), one of the most inspiring films ever made and a surprise hit at the box office, which ain't bad for an indie that only cost $3 million. This one cost $2 million more, but isn't nearly as potent. Yet it's still a solid drama with some poignant Christian-themed points that smack of real life. I could relate to several of the points, e.g. feeling like your life was a mistake and the negative fallout of an absent or distant father.

Some other themes are effectively driven home, like: the importance of the relationship of husband & wife to the health of a home; it's never too late for redemption; the power of the repentance/forgiveness dynamic; and how easy it is to fall into the pretense of Christian religion, i.e. spiritual hypocrisy. Anyone who sincerely tries to walk with the LORD will relate to these kinds of elements. Meanwhile some non-Christians will likely scoff and find these aspects fake (they couldn't be more wrong).

Sure, some of the acting of peripherals might not be of blockbuster caliber, but that's par for the course in these kinds of indie flicks. But the performances of the main adult players are fine. Speaking of which, Cameron Arnett is outstanding as the blind hospital patient and mentor on long-distance running. Was the coach's chance meeting with him an eye-rolling coincidence or a divinely-orchestrated encounter?

The film runs 1 hour, 59 minutes, and was shot in Columbus & Albany, Georgia, with shots of Nashville.

GRADE: B

Wow. I saw this film yesterday and am still replaying scenes in my head. Such a great inspirational film. I wish there were more movies like this available.

My wife and I watched this at home on DVD from our public library. It is a faith-based fictional story with a good message, we enjoyed it.

By way of summary: High school basketball coach John Harrison receives unfortunate news that the largest local manufacturing plant suddenly shuts down, forcing many families, and their kids, to leave in search of other job opportunities. John's dreams of winning the state basketball championship suddenly vanish. He very reluctantly agrees to coach the cross-country team where he meets a runner, the only member of his team, who is on her journey of discovery. John and his wife are inspired by their new friend in the hospital while John attempts to help the runner win the biggest race of the year.

It is heavily Christian based, which works fine for this movie although those who object to such subject likely will not like this movie. Filmed in Georgia.

I almost never would give a 10 on a film since I believe that every film could do better, but in this case it is just a really good family film with some great take-a-ways. The acting keeps getting better in their films and the professionalism of the script level is very comparable to any family film produced by Hollywood. The messages and impact was felt deeply by myself. The next day I am still singing the songs in my head and trying to make some differences in my daily life to take advantage of the advise offered in the movie. I can't understand why many people would vote a '1' and then not even do a review, unless they never even saw the film and are just against anything with references to Jesus in a film. I guess that part hasn't changed in over 2000 years!? Go see the film and take someone with you...

As far as movies go this will probably not get any Oscar nominations but it is nice to see a movie that tells a compelling story about hope, redemption and doing the right thing even when you don't feel like it. Yes, every plot line is totally predictable but is that so bad? It is also fun to see the results of what is apparently a Kendrick family project. It has a strong Christian evangelistic message that focuses on forgiveness. Doesn't our society (me included!) need a lot more of that!!!

Great film, fun and engaging. I like that it was clean, like movies used to be. It motivated me. Heck, I might start running again!

I love all of the Kendrick Brothers films but initially found this one to be a little predictable and a little on the cheesy side in the beginning. However the latter half of the movie really drew me in and made that impact like I have come to expect from these films! Finding our true identity can only be found in Christ. Unfortunately we need that reminder!

My husband and I enjoyed this movie so much that as soon as we walked out the theater, he turned and said, we have to get this DVD when it comes out! We cried and we laughed but most importantly it helped us solidify our relationship to the Lord. We think we know who we are but we let things around us tell us different. After watching this movie we have made a stance to stand firm on who He say we are! Love this movie! Great job to cast and crew.

Just a usual christian movie,relate to sports,of course. There's climax,the pace is just right. Nothing cringey like too much verse from the Bible scenes,everything is just right. But there's no surprises. Worth to watch tho.

I thought this was going to be a feel good story like Hoosiers or Rudy and I couldn't have been more wrong. This was a slow boring predictable movie with the worst acting I have ever witnessed. Oh and the Jesus aspect was not just sprinkled in it was crammed right down your throat every 10 minutes. This experience was more like a Baptist tent revival than a motion picture.

Best Kendricks Brothers Movie Yet and they're getting more and more bold about the Gospel LOVE that !!!!

This movie give you deep thoughts about what is important in your short life. Make the best of of your life.

A little cheesy at some parts but very good overall.

First half of the movie was ok, but the second half quickly went far to religious for me and lacked any balance, almost pushed on you. I have nothing against religion, but come on.......

I'm not a fan of sports or high school movies, but I went to see this because I loved "War Room", another Kendrick film. I was crying & cheering! A great story on how Jesus can heal & change lives. Every high schooler should see this! I highly recommend it for church youth groups.

PROS

+ Great example of reciprocal forgiveness, as shown in several examples throughout the movie.

+ Mostly good actors. Cameron Arnett was once again exceptional.

+ Min 33, Great scene showing a principal sharing a meal with a student.

NEUTRAL

o Min 72 No real repentance of Hannah's sins in the prayer, specifically not of her stealing. Nevertheless, she shows a very great example in returning the stolen items (although still not asking THEOS for forgiveness), and is later a very beautiful testimony to her class and through her race.

CONS

• Min 8, Incoherent, peaceful music after showing her with her stolen goods. Evil and peaceful music do not fit together at all.

• Min 19, Transgression of the 9th commandment: John lies to his wife that their son is not running. John is later shown the mirror (Min 39), but we see no specific repentance from his side other than a generic 'I'm sorry I've been a jerk' towards his wife (Min 31). If we lie, we have to repent before THEOS, and this has to been shown in the movie. Just to show the error and avoid the respective prayer, is a bad example.

• Min 25, Terrible example for feedback on students, even a secular movie would do better: "No, we don't like it, Wesley. We just don't believe you. C-minus." Truly horrible for a Christian movie.

• Min 32, Not a big deal, but a promotion of Coca-Cola is not the thing we should see in a Christian movie. We ought to honour and not to destroy our bodies.

• Min 75 Further advances the abusive behavior towards students and it seems that the producers have watched too much American Idol. We ought not to go with the world and to endorse such condescending practices. While we ought to encourage others and may criticize, we should not ridicule others. It is deeply troubling to see such a behavior being modelled in a Christian movie, especially when considering that other countries are watching this movie and have different standards.

• Priscilla Shirer is part of the cast (Feminist, teaches men ...) and this movie therefore indirectly promotes her books and teachings.

• The 'A Special Thanks to the Following Churches' section is wild at best, and highly problematic more realistically, including many Catholic, Calvinist, Episcopalian and Methodist churches. We should not have fellowship with darkness.

36 of the 82 listed churches show the baptist denomination in their name (plus others not showing it in their name), which is not problematic in itself, but shows a very strong favoritism.

Seriously?

Posing as a positive inspirational family film - and then turning my Friday night into a full on bible camp. WITH a complete choir-scored slow motion redemption waterfall baptism scene.

Just no.

I Loved the movie from Laughing to Crying and Praising God

This movie reminds us that everyone makes mistakes and all are worthy of redemption. I love the light hearted humor throughout the film. And, you will need a box of tissues for the second half of the movie. An old fashioned movie with grit and values.

Started OK, but then all the religion stuff was added.

Why is it necessary to pour a religious sauce over everything ? If people want to believe, they'll believe. If not, you won't convince them by adding it to a movie that's promoted as.something else.

A great inspiring movie!!!! Loved it.....strongly recommend!!!